Loving Others and My One-Second Chance to Snap a Photo

1 John 3:18 “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

The cell phone craze has brought a new meaning to picture taking. No matter where you are, there is the possibility of recording the event in color, but this little handheld camera/phone has also given a new meaning to selfishness.

A couple weeks ago Dad and I attended Luke’s graduation at Wright State University. We got up early, and arrived at the arena a couple of hours before the event to ensure that we could get a good seat to view the ceremony. I brought my camera so that I could snap Luke’s one-second moment of recognition as he received his diploma. With the school graduating 1,600 students there would be no second chances at getting this shot.

As the moment approached, each observer was also listening for their student’s name and watching for him or her to step to the front of the line. I was poised and ready. Then a man walked down the aisle and stood directly in my line of vision while he adjusted his cell phone camera to catch his child’s moment of glory. I could hardly believe it as he stationed himself in this spot for the next five minutes so as not to miss what he had come to see. Though I understood his desire to catch the experience on camera, I also had the same desire, and now was being denied the opportunity.

This bothered me greatly and I fumed at this man’s lack of consideration. But it got me to thinking. I say that I love people, but how do I treat them? We are called to love as Jesus does. He laid down His life for us. In like manner we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet there are times when we see someone in need and turn a blind eye. We are not even willing to share our worldly possessions with him or her. Other times we have our own agenda and, intent on getting what we want, we don’t consider the other person’s desires.

If we belong to Jesus the proof will be in our love of others. His love will fill our hearts and will overflow to those around us. It is also a commandment that God has given from the beginning. This love must be expressed in more than just words or mushy sentiments. John, Jesus’s disciple reminds us, “Little Children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

Thankfully, I got the photo of Luke’s moment of glory despite the human obstacle.

I think whenever I look at that picture in the years to come, instead of feeling agitated at my fellow photographer, I will use it as a reminder to love others not just in word or tongue, but in deed and truth – even if I only have a one-second chance to snap an important picture.